Clara Slack Farmer

Clara Slack Farmer of Dyersburg passed away Monday, August 20, 2018, at the age of 85. Clara was born in Athens, Tennessee on March 19, 1933. She was the daughter of John Charles and Clara Roller Slack, both of whom were from early East Tennessee Families. After her family moved to Knoxville in 1948, she was in the last graduating class at Knoxville High School. She entered the University of Tennessee in 1951 and was graduated in 1955 with a B.S. in Library Science. While at UT she was active in the Alpha Omicron Pi sorority.

She married Ralph Woodson Farmer, Jr., on December 29, 1956, at Church Street Methodist Church in downtown Knoxville. Upon her husband's graduation from law school, they moved to Memphis where he practiced law. Clara worked at Cossitt Library and then became the high school Librarian in Collierville for four years. While in Memphis she belonged to the LeBonheur Club, and was in the Brooks Art Gallery League.

She moved with her husband and three children to Dyersburg in 1970. She was first and foremost a loving wife and mother, devoting her life to the happiness and well being of her family. She was an active member of First Baptist Church in Dyersburg. She was a member of WMU and taught many Sunday School classes of all ages through the years. She was a strong supporter of the Dyersburg Community Concert Association and previously served as president of the organization. Clara was also involved in numerous other charities and organizations in her community.

Clara's circle of friends was wide, she enjoyed gardening and was a member of the Good Earth Garden Club. She enjoyed reading and was a member of The Little Book Club and The Random Readers book club. She also enjoyed playing Bridge and was in two bridge clubs. Even though having graduated more than 50 years earlier, she remained a fervent supporter of the Tennessee Volunteers football and basketball teams.

Clara and her husband traveled extensively and saw many parts of the world together, including visits to China, Australia, Egypt, Greece and numerous trips to other European countries. One of Clara's fondest memories was a 50th wedding Anniversary Cruise down the Rhine River in Germany with her husband, their children and their spouses. Clara loved to spend time with her family and especially her grandchildren. Her grandchildren all praised and adored her.

As she faced her illness she often expressed her readiness and delight that she would be joining her Lord and savior, Jesus Christ. Clara is survived by her three children; Woodson Randolph Farmer and his wife Laura of Germantown, Tennessee; Mrs. Whitney Farmer McDonald and her husband James of Memphis, Tennessee; and Mrs. Wesley Farmer Conley and her husband Steve of Union City, Tennessee. She was blessed with six grandchildren to who she was devoted: Emmaline Farmer of Germantown, Tennessee; Clara, Thompson, and Cole McDonald of Memphis, Tennessee and Tripp and Caroline Conley of Union City, Tennessee. She also is survived by her sister Mrs. Becky Hunt, and her husband Larry, of San Diego, California; and her sister-in-law, Mrs Nancy Kelley of Crossville, Tennessee. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph Woodson Farmer, Jr.

Services will be 2:00 PM at First Baptist Church in Dyersburg, Tennessee, on Friday, August 24, 2018 with Pastor Mike Hickman officiating. Visitation will be held Friday, August 24, 2018 from12:00 PM until 2:00 PM at First Baptist Church in Dyersburg, Tennessee. The family has requested that memorials be directed to the Dyersburg First Baptist Church Building Fund, 220 Masonic St., Dyersburg, Tennessee 38024.

Johnson-Williams Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Ms. Clara Slack Farmer. Online condolences may be made to the family at johnsonwilliamsfuneralhome.com.

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